Apparatus, system, and method for precision positioning and alignment of a lens in an optical system

A system for precision positioning of a lens in an optical system, comprising:

• a first support for coupling to the peripheral edge of the lens;
• a second support mechanically concentric to said first support;
• and
• a plurality of positioning devices connecting said first support to said second support, wherein at least one of said plurality of positioning devices is configured to move said first support in an axial direction relative to said second support, and at least one of said plurality of positioning devices is configured to move said first support relative to said second support in a direction substantially perpendicular to said axial direction.

A system for precision positioning of a lens in an optical system, comprising:

• first support means for coupling to the peripheral edge of the lens;
• second support means for coupling to said first support means, said second support means mechanically concentric to said first support means;
• and
• a plurality of positioning means for aligning the lens, said positioning means connecting said first support means to said second support means, wherein at least one of said plurality of positioning means is configured to move said first support means in an axial direction relative to said second support means, and at least one of said plurality of positioning means is configured to move said first support means relative to said second support means in a direction substantially perpendicular to said axial direction.

A method for precision positioning of a lens in an optical system, comprising the steps of:

• (a) monitoring a parameter related to lens position in the optical system using a sensor module;
• (b) generating an error signal related to lens position in the optical system based on the output of said sensor module;
• (c) using said error signal to adjust an actuator that controls lens position in the optical system;
• and
• (d) repeat steps (a) through (d) until a stop signal is received.

An apparatus for precision positioning of a lens in an optical system, comprising:

• a first support for coupling to the peripheral edge of the lens;
• a second support mechanically concentric to said first support;
• and
• a plurality of positioning devices connecting said first support to said second support, allowing adjustment of the lens position in at least one direction, wherein at least one of said positioning devices comprises
• a lever having a pivot point on said second support,
• a first and second actuator connected to said lever, wherein each of said actuators can operate said lever about said pivot point, and
• a flexure having a first end connected to said lever and a second end connected to said first support,
• wherein said first actuator is a primary positioning actuator and said second actuator is a vernier actuator.